Celtic look set to beat Tottenham to free agent Diarra

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth star rumoured to be on his way to Parkhead

Celtic are reportedly closing in on an audacious deal for free agent Lassana Diarra, who previously held talks with Tottenham over a potential move to the Premier League club.

Social media site Twitter is awash with rumours claiming the Frenchman is on a flight to Glasgow to discuss a potential deal with the Scottish club.

It follows reports yesterday linking Celtic with a move for the one-time Real Madrid midfielder, who made almost 90 appearances for Los Blancos and would bring a wealth of experience to the Hoops midfield.

Diarra has been without a club since being released from his contract with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and previously came close to moving back to England over the summer, with Queens Park Rangers and Harry Redknapp keen on completing a deal for the player.

No such agreement materialised, however, leaving the 29-year-old still on the hunt for new employers.

Tottenham were thought to be keen on moving for the experienced star, but with a deal for Diarra since stalling, it would appear that Celtic have entered the race to recruit the midfielder.

The terms of the deal are as yet unknown but should Diarra sign on the dotted line for the Bhoys, then he could provide a major boost to Ronny Deila, following a positive couple of weeks for the Norwegian manager.

Celtic are one win away from progressing through the group phase of the Europa League, are in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup and are quickly making up ground in the Scottish Premiership.

The form of John Guidetti has been key to this up-turn, with the on-loan Manchester City striker scoring eight goals in his first eight games for the club.

Out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the season, Celtic are keen to make the Swede’s move to Parkhead a permanent one come January.

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Jack Beresford is a content writer with over five years of experience in writing about sport and betting, including a two-year spell with Axonn Media. Contributes articles to HereIsTheCity and Lad Bible, while previous credits include Bwin, FTB Pro, Bleacher Report and the QBE rugby. Avid follower of tennis, rugby union, motorsport and football, Jack also writes about poker for Cardspiel.com alongside Guardian journalist Dominic Wells.

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